Heavy rain forecast as millions make getaway

An estimated 18 million day-trippers and holiday makers are expected to cause heavy congestion along popular routes during the three-day spring bank holiday weekend.

With the start of the half-term holiday, major roads to traditional destinations such as the south-west, the Lake District and Blackpool were predicted to be worst hit.

But, as families headed off for half-term breaks, yesterday's good weather looked set to be the best of it. Heavy rain and possible thunderstorms will creep into London and the south-east, with severe downpours in the south of England and south Wales predicted for today. A north-easterly wind will mean it feels chilly across the whole of the UK.